Udupi: The titular feast of St Antony, the blessing of the renovated Sanctuary, and the inauguration and blessing of the Gyaan Mini Hall of Kuntalnagar Church was held on Tuesday, June 21.

Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, concelebrated the festive mass along with Archbishop of Agra Diocese, Dr Albert D’Souza, Chancellor of Udupi Diocese, Fr Valerian Mendonca, Dean of Udupi Deanery, Fr Fred Mascarenhas and Parish Priest of Kuntalnagar Church, Fr Denis D’Sa. Prior to the mass, the Bishop blessed the renovated Sanctuary.

In his homily, professor at St Joseph Seminary, Fr Clifford Fernandes highlighted the theme of the feast "Like St Antony, let us be the face of God’s Mercy". Fr Clifford said that by celebrating the feasts of the saints, we proceed one step towards God. By citing various instances from the Holy Scriptures, Fr Clifford pointed out how God has been showing mercy to His people and that He does not let down those who keep their faith and hope in Him.

After the mass, a brief felicitation and the inauguration of the newly built Gyaan Mini Hall was held. Archbishop, Dr Albert D’Souza blessed the newly built Gyaan Mini Hall.

Following the introductory remarks and welcome by Fr Denis D’Sa, the Parish Bulletin "Paduacho Porzall" was released by Bishop Gerald Lobo. Fr Fred Mascarenhas felicitated Roshan Sequeira, who has been editing the bulletin for the last 8 years.

All those persons who were responsible for the renovation of the sanctuary and in building the new hall were felicitated by Archbishop Dr Albert D’Souza. The people felicitated were: Elias D’Souza (the chief engineer) and his associates Nelson Machado and Alphonse Mendonsa; Wilson D’Souza Kayyar (the chief artist of the scenes behind the main altar); Melwyn Noronha (the contractor); Alphonse Alva, Vincent Fernandes and Roshan Castelino.

Dr Albert D’Souza and Fr Fred Mascarenhas lauded the leadership of Fr Denis D’Sa and the cooperation of the parishioners and conveyed their best wishes.

In his presidential address, Bishop Gerald Lobo greatly appreciated the way the sanctuary was renovated and said that the sanctuary is the centre of worship which draws the attention of the faithful as they enter the church. The Bishop further said that though there are few families in the parish, their achievement has been great under the leadership of Fr Denis D’Sa. He complimented Fr Denis and the parishioners for the various development works.

Fr Clement Mascarenhas (Parish Priest St Lawrence Church Moodubelle), Fr Edwin D’Souza (Resident Priest and Director of ICYM Udupi Diocese), Valerian Mathias (Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council) and Nelson D’Souza (Secretary) were present. Roshan Sequeira compered the programme and Nelson D’Souza delivered the vote of thanks.